Patricia J. Williams, at NYRB: "it is worth reminding ourselves that asylum seekers are not criminals. Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights guarantees that 'everyone has he right to seek and enjoy in other countries asylum from political persecution.' Although the right to asylum may not apply to those seeking protection from nonpolitical threats, that determination is supposed to be made as part of the resolution of the claim. It is legally necessary to come into a country or to present yourself at one of its poers of entry to make a claim for protective status"